#WriteWed Location Inspiration #NYC

I’ve told you about some of the location inspiration for my AT THE SHORE Contemporary Romance Series. Places like the long gone department store B. Altman’s as well as some still with us Jersey Shore mansions.

The first story, ONE SUMMER NIGHT, starts in the fictional Shore town of Sea Kiss and I’ll share more about the inspiration for that town later.

Today’s photo is of the inspiration for where Maggie Sinclair and her best friend Connie Reyes work and hangout – Bryant Park and the Chrysler Building. There are a number of scenes set in this Midtown NYC area, although both Maggie and Connie are Jersey Girls at heart.

I took this photo in the early morning, just as sun was rising. It’s a lovely time in the city. Peaceful. Quiet. Well as quiet as New York can be because even in the quiet there is a nervous hum of activity. I love the juxtaposition of nature against the bricks and the man-made skyscrapers. I hope you will as well!
Chrysler Building and Bryant Park

#WriteWed Chrysler Building & Jersey Girl Bridesmaids

I am so excited to say I’ve finished the first book in the Jersey Girl Bridesmaids series, tentatively titled Since We Were 18. It’s off to my agent for a read and final tweaks before it goes to my new publisher Sourcebooks.

I am really happy about how the story turned out and I hope you will enjoy this sexy, emotional and fun tale about a Romeo and Juliet relationship, without all the tragedy. Okay, some drama, but a very rewarding Happily-Ever-After.

Two of the Jersey Girls, Maggie Sinclair and Connie Reyes, actually work in Manhattan just yards away from each other in the Chrysler Building and its Annex. Why there? Well, because this is where I work and hang during the day, so I thought I’d share some of that with you.

Maggie’s office is in the Chrysler Building so today’s Write Wednesday is some photos of that lovely place. It is without a doubt my favorite building in all of Manhattan. There is so much attention to detail and quality in the materials used. It really was a labor of love for Walter Chrysler. It shows in every aspect of the building. I am going to try and get some more photos for you of the gargoyles and other elements that are high up so you can truly appreciate some of the secrets of this building! But for now, some photos from the lobby through which Maggie Sinclair walks every morning (lol like me).

My Christmas Wish List

Visit with me today at the home of Anastasia Pollack, crafts editor and reluctant amateur sleuth (and my good friend Lois Winston!)

I’ll be talking about the one thing that’s on my Christmas wish list and would love to hear what’s on your wish list!

In the meantime, I so love NYC at this time of year. The City has on all its Christmas finest and I’m sharing some pictures that I took on our way to grab some lunch yesterday.

This is an amazing gingerbread house at the new Zabar area in Grand Central Terminal Market.

This is the tree in the lobby of the Chrysler Building. So lovely.

Hoping you all have a lovely weekend! See you all on Monday.

Christmas at the Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is my favorite building in New York City. I love the exterior look of it with all the little touches that speak of its original owners. I know it may be tough to see from the ground, but look up anyway for a gander at the metal hubcaps worked into the outlines of cars along the one story. Also check out the gargoyle-looking metal corners which are representations of the hood ornaments of the Chrysler cars of that time.

Inside the building is just as lovely. This morning as I walked in, I decided to share with you the gorgeous Christmas tree in the lobby. They’ve also been having music at lunch hour to get you in the Christmas spirit.

If you look closely in this picture, you can see the beautiful marble on the walls, the metal sconces and other Art Deco metalwork on the building directory as well as a piece of the artwork up on the ceiling of the lobby. That’s actually a canvas that was painted offsite and then placed on the ceiling. I understand it’s considered the largest work on canvas in the world.

Hoping this is adding to your holiday spirit!

Chrysler Christmas Tree